Irish bouzouki tuner online
The Irish bouzouki opens in GDAD: G2–D3–A3–D4. The alternative GDAE preset changes the top course to E4 while keeping G2, D3 and A3.
String notes and frequencies
Irish bouzouki tuning, GDAD (8 strings in 4 courses): G2 D3 A3 D4, from 98.00 Hz to 293.66 Hz, with A4 = 440 Hz.
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Pair 4 | G2 | 98.00 |
| Pair 3 | D3 | 146.83 |
| Pair 2 | A3 | 220.00 |
| Pair 1 | D4 | 293.66 |
How to use it
- Check the instrument and tuning in the list.
- Set A440 or the reference agreed by your ensemble.
- Allow the microphone and pick one open string in a quiet space.
- Make small adjustments and read the steady part of the sound.
- Check every string again, then compare octave or unison partners.
Help and explanations
GDAD supports drone-based accompaniment at Irish sessions; GDAE follows the mandolin family’s fifths. This preset represents four unison courses. Some bouzoukis have octave partners on the bass courses, so look at your stringing before assuming both strings should reach the same octave.
Measure each partner before listening to the course
A course is a pair of strings played together. Mute one partner while tuning the other, then swap them: beating between two strings can make the pitch display less steady. When both partners are correct, play them together and listen. For an octave-strung bass course, compare each string with its own target rather than forcing the lighter partner down to the lower pitch.
The D4-to-E4 change on the top course alters familiar chord shapes, not just the open-string sound. Pick the tuning you intend to use for the tunes and accompaniment in that session. A Greek bouzouki has a different musical setup; its tuning should not be inferred from this Irish preset. After the first pass, revisit the low G and the other courses before playing with a fixed-pitch instrument.
Tips
- Trace each paired string to its own peg before adjusting.
- Check whether bass partners are unison or octave-strung.
- If switching GDAD to GDAE, recheck the top course’s string suitability.
Frequently asked questions
What is the usual Irish bouzouki tuning?
GDAD and GDAE are both common choices. This page starts with G2 D3 A3 D4.
What is the difference between GDAD and GDAE?
Only the top course changes in these presets: D4 becomes E4. The available chord and drone shapes change with it.
Should both strings in a course be the same pitch?
The supplied preset assumes unison courses. An octave-strung instrument needs separate octave targets for its bass partners.
Can I use Greek bouzouki tuning here?
The chromatic tuner can read pitches, but this is an Irish bouzouki preset. Consult the Greek instrument’s own tuning arrangement.
Why does a paired course make the display unstable?
Two slightly different pitches may compete. Mute one string, tune its partner, then repeat for the other.